During the first day of the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, tensions arose between Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne.
The confrontation occurred during the second session when Shaheen engaged in verbal exchanges with Labuschagne, attempting to unsettle the Australian batsman.
Labuschagne, however, displayed composure during this challenging spell.
Images and videos capturing the intense battle between Shaheen and Labuschagne circulated widely on social media.
Pakistan made early breakthroughs by dismissing openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja, leaving the match finely balanced before rain interrupted play, leading to an early tea on the first day.
At the break, the home team stood at 114-2, with Labuschagne at 14 and Steve Smith not out at two. Despite some rewards for Pakistan’s bowlers, including the dismissal of Warner for 38, the hosts aim to secure the three-Test series after a dominant victory in Perth.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood chose to bowl after winning the toss, anticipating favorable conditions for seamers on an overcast day.
Led by Shaheen, the bowlers found significant movement but missed early opportunities, including dropping Warner on two.
Australia finished the opening day at 187-3, with rain limiting play to 66 overs. When play resumes on the second day, Labuschagne (44) and Travis Head (9) will continue batting for the home team. Aamer Jamal secured the significant wicket of Steve Smith, who scored 26 runs, after the rain delay. Agha Salman and Hasan Ali also each claimed a wicket.
